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If you’re trying to keep your thermostat a few degrees lower this winter—or are just prone to being cold—an electric blanket is a must-have for your home. Also called heated blankets, these cozy coverings give off impressive heat that will keep you warm on even the worst winter days, and they’re perfect for cuddling up on the couch or snuggling into bed at night.
However, electric blankets can be expensive, and many are prone to issues like cold spots and uncomfortable wires. We wanted to see which ones are actually worth the money, so we tested seven different options over the course of a few months. Our favorite is the Sunbeam Mink Sherpa Heated Blanket
(available at Amazon for $39.87)
, which works well and is made from thick, cozy fabric that hides the inner wires.
Credit:
Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau
The Sunbeam Royal Mink Sherpa Heated Electric Blanket won us over with it's simple design and snuggly comfort.
Best Overall
Sunbeam Royal Mink Sherpa Heated Throw
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Size(s): 50 x 60 inches
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Material: Polyester
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Heat Settings: 4
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Auto-shutoff: 4 hours
For one of the best comfortable electric blankets that’s perfect for one person, you can’t go wrong with the Sunbeam Mink Sherpa Heated Blanket. It comes in a variety of colors to match your decor, and the throw-size blanket has a soft fleece fabric on the top and a thick, cozy sherpa on the bottom. Because the material is thicker than most, it does a superior job hiding the wires inside the blanket, and overall, it’s much more comfortable to cuddle up with than many of the other blankets we tested.
In terms of functionality, the Sunbeam Mink Sherpa Blanket is simple but effective. It has four heat settings to choose from, and the controller is simple to operate—there’s just one button to turn the heating level up, and a small row of lights indicates the current setting. It generally took around 4 or 5 minutes for the warmth to increase when we adjusted the setting, and there were noticeable differences between all four options, ranging from barely-there heat to really toasty warmth. Still, even on its highest setting, the electric blanket was never uncomfortably hot, and we liked that it automatically shuts itself off after four hours, which was more than enough time for most lounging sessions.
The blanket is machine-washable, and unlike other products, you can simply put it into the washing machine on the gentle cycle—there are no wacky instructions you have to follow—and on a regular low-heat dryer cycle. Our only real complaint about the Sunbeam heated blanket is that the power cord is shorter than most, so you do have to sit fairly close to a power outlet.
Pros
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Wide range of colors
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Can’t feel wires
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Sofa sherpa fabric
Cons
$39.87 from Amazon
$39.87 from Walmart
Credit:
Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau
If you want the best electric blanket and are willing to pay for it, the Sleep Number Warming Blanket is the one to get.
Best Splurge
Sleep Number Warming Blanket
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Size(s): Queen (84 x 90 inches) or king (90 x 100 inches)
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Material: Polyester
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Heat Settings: 11
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Auto-shutoff: 10 hours
If you don’t mind spending a little more on an electric blanket, the Sleep Number Warming Blanket has a luxurious design that’s worth the splurge. We often noticed thin materials and haphazard sewing in many of the blankets we tested, but this product is truly well-made. The fleece fabric is nicely hemmed and incredibly thick and soft. The coziness provides impressive warmth even when it’s not plugged in, and is one of the best electric blankets on the market.
The Sleep Number Blanket is available in either queen or king sizes, and there are three color options. Both sizes come with two controllers, allowing you to set the warmth on each side of the blanket independently. (This feature is handy if you’re sharing the blanket with a partner.) The controllers have a large blue dial that you turn to increase or decrease the heat, but we didn’t love their design. They show the number of the heat settings on the front of the controller, but the dial doesn’t click into place or make a sound when you change the setting. The units also felt a bit cheap, which was disappointing considering the price of the blanket.
This electric blanket has 11 heat levels to choose from, and while there’s a noticeable difference between the lowest and highest options, the change in warmth from one setting to the next is fairly small. We often had to increase the blanket by two or three levels before there was a discernible difference. The blanket can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle and put in the dryer, making for quick and easy maintenance.
Pros
Cons
Buy now at Sleep Number
Credit:
Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau
If layering is your thing, then the Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece electric blanket is our top recommendation.
Best for Layering
Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece Heated Electric Blanket
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Size(s): Twin, full, queen or king
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Material: Polyester
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Heat Settings: 12
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Auto-shutoff: 12 hours
Many heated blankets cannot be layered with other blankets, as doing so will cause the coils to overheat, but if you like to use an electric blanket with your comforter, the Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece is safe to layer on your bed. It comes in a full range of sizes and several muted colors, and the larger queen- and king-size versions have dual heating zones and two separate controllers—one for each side of the bed.
This best electric blanket had the best controller design of all the options we tested. The controllers are compact and easy to use, with a digital screen that shows you the current settings. There are up and down arrows to adjust the heat level, and unlike many other electric blankets, this one lets you adjust the auto shut-off time between one and 12 hours. This is particularly useful if you just want to use the blanket to pre-heat your bed in the winter.
However, compared to several other blankets we tested, this Sunbeam blanket was very thin, and you could easily feel the wires through the fleece material. It has a larger-than-average border around the edges that doesn’t have any coils for heating, and it’s not the softest fabric, either, so we think it’s best used along with your favorite sheets and comforter.
Pros
Cons
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Large unheated border
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Fabric isn’t very soft
$49.87 from Amazon
$49.87 from Walmart
Credit:
Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau
The Beautyrest Heated Faux Fur Throw is the electric blanket of choice for the design-conscious.
Best Design
Beautyrest Heated Faux Fur Throw Blanket
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Size(s): 50 x 70 inches
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Material: Polyester faux fur
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Heat Settings: 3
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Auto-shutoff: 2 hours
The Beautyrest Heated Faux Fur Throw Blanket has a stylish design that will help elevate your decor while keeping you toasty warm. The front of the electric blanket is made from a delightfully soft faux fur fabric, and there are several fun patterns to choose from, including animal-print options like leopard. The reverse side is a soft fleece fabric, but because this material is thinner, you can sometimes feel the blanket’s wires through it.
The Beautyrest throw has three heat settings, and we were impressed by how quickly it heats up. It was toasty warm in just two or three minutes, and there were noticeable differences between the various heat levels. We also liked that the blanket’s plug is at the corner of the blanket—not the middle—which made it easier to keep it out of the way while lounging on the couch.
That said, there were a few things we didn’t love about this electric blanket. It’s expensive, especially for a throw, yet the construction was mediocre. In particular, the blanket’s edges were hemmed very roughly, exposing the cut portion of the fabric exposed. Additionally, the blanket automatically shuts off after just two hours of use, forcing us to turn it back on in the middle of our lounging session.
Pros
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Soft, luxurious fabric
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Heats up quickly
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Convenient plug location
Cons
$55.99 from Amazon
$55.99 from Target
$65.28 from Home Depot
Credit:
Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau
The Tefici Electric Heated Blanket will keep you warm without breaking the bank.
Best Budget
Tefici Electric Heated Blanket
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Size(s): Throw, twin or queen
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Material: Polyester faux fur
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Heat Settings: 3
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Auto-shutoff: 4 hours
If you’re shopping on a budget, the Tefici Electric Heated Blanket is a decent option for warming up in the cold weather. It’s made from a fleece fabric and comes in a few different colors. There are three sizes, depending on if you want to use the blanket for lounging or on your bed.
This electric blanket is on the thinner side, and you can feel the coils when you’re lying underneath it. The construction is also below average, with messy hems and exposed edges. The blanket has three heat settings to choose from, and while the controller is easy to use, it’s a strange peanut-like shape and much larger than necessary. Still, the blanket provided plenty of warmth, and we liked that the cord comes out of one corner of the throw instead of the center, which is more convenient for lounging.
Pros
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Inexpensive
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Convenient port location
Cons
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Able to feel wires
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Awkward controllers
Buy now at Amazon
$28.99 from Walmart
Other Electric Blankets We Tested
Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket with Digital Display Controller
The Sunbeam Microplush’s construction is not as nice as the other blankets in this guide—its wires are thick and a bit rigid. The wires are all the more noticeable thanks to the Microplus thin fabric. That said, it does offer a nice preheat feature with a separate button on its well-designed controllers.
The Microplush’s preheat function can be turned on by clicking a single button, instead of having to hunt for it through a menu of other features, which is nice. It also comes with a five-year warranty that should ensure long years of service, provided you treat it well.
Pros
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Great value
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Preheat button
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Five year warranty
Cons
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Really noticeable wiring
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Serged ends
Buy now at Amazon
Perfect Fit Soft Heat Micro Fleece Warming Blanket
With wiring that can barely be felt inside of the best electric blanket, the Perfect Fit Soft Heat Warming Blanket feels very much like a regular polyester blanket. While soft and cozy, it doesn’t offer the fancier features of our top pick, like separate heating zones for feet. However, this electric blanket does provide consistent, subtle heat, which peaked at 90.8℉ during testing.
However, we were unimpressed with the controller’s limited functionality: There is no way to set a specific auto shutoff time, for example. We also have issues with the blanket’s warranty support.
While the Perfect Fit comes with a five-year warranty, our research uncovered that some customers have had difficulty having their warranty honored. Taking a close look at the company’s website, we found that multiple links lead to content unrelated to Perfect Fit products. And, when we called their warranty support number, we received no answer.
With this in mind, the Perfect Fit might not be a great buy right now.
Pros
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Thin wires
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Lightweight
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Five year warranty
Cons
$98.79 from Amazon
$139.46 from Walmart
Beautyrest Microlight-to-Berber Reversible Heated Blanket
If you love plush, cozy blankets, the Beautyrest Microlight-to-Berber Reversible Heated Blanket is right up your alley. This dual-sided blanket features a super soft velvet on one side and a wonderfully cozy sherpa material on the other, making it incredibly warm and welcoming before you even turn on the heat!
This plush electric blanket comes in a number of rich colors, and its queen and king sizes have dual controllers, so partners can set their respective zones to different temperatures. Each controller comes with 20 heat settings—much more than standard—and since the fabric is fairly thick, its wires aren’t as prominent.
The Beautyrest Microlight-to-Berber Blanket isn’t the quickest to heat up, though it does have a preheat feature to warm up your bed before you climb in. Plus, once it gets to temperature, your bed will stay warm. In testing its reversibility, we found that the heat is more noticeable when the velvet side is facing down: The sherpa is so thick that it blocks some of the warmth from reaching you.
Unfortunately, the controllers kept this electric blanket from ranking higher. They’re unnecessarily big and blocky, and also hard to adjust and read. A piece of translucent plastic over the digital display makes it impossible to read at certain angles, and the buttons themselves are somewhat hard to press.
Additionally, while the blanket does deliver a range of heat, we were expecting more of a difference between the lowest and highest settings. In general, we weren’t able to feel a difference if we only nudged it up a few numbers.
Pros
Cons
$105.99 from Target
$143.66 from Home Depot
$105.99 from Walmart
Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket
The Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket was the least welcoming of the bunch. It’s made from polyester like many others, but it’s neither soft nor cozy, and I didn’t want it against my bare skin. Additionally, the wires inside this blanket were very stiff—you can feel them immediately when you lie under it, and they made the blanket difficult to fold.
One thing that’s different about this best electric blanket is its two separate heating zones are served by a single connector. For this reason, you have to set the cords up in a specific way to ensure the controllers end up on the right sides of the bed. I didn’t realize this until I had already spent 10 minutes threading the cords under the bed. It was frustrating, but also my fault for not reading the directions more carefully.
Another problem was that the cord connecting the two controllers was a little too short to reach under my bed, so if one controller got jostled or pulled, the other one fell off the side table.
Want more information on Electric Shawl Blanket? Feel free to contact us.
This model has 10 heat settings and a 10-hour shut-off, but that’s about it in terms of features. It seemed to get warmer than other blankets, even on low settings. When I used it overnight on setting 2, I woke up uncomfortably warm after a few hours. As such, I would be concerned about using this blanket on a high setting overnight.
Pros
Cons
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Not very soft or cozy
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Stiff wires
$78.86 from Amazon
$74.20 from Walmart
Westinghouse Soft & Silky Flannel Warming Blanket
The Westinghouse Heated Blanket was disappointing, especially for a higher-priced model. It’s made from a thin polyester fleece, and you can feel all of the wires inside. The controllers were large and clunky, and while some of the marketing material claims the blanket has an adjustable timer, there are only buttons to change the heat setting. In addition to being fairly uncomfortable, we also had some safety concerns with this blanket. During one use session, we began to smell burning plastic, which made us think the plug was overheating. We stopped using the blanket immediately, and overall, we don’t recommend it to anyone—there are much better options for a more reasonable price.
Pros
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Good construction
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Five year warranty
Cons
Buy now at Amazon
$119.99 from Walmart
How We Tested Electric Blankets
Credit:
Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau
As you might expect, testing electric blankets required a lot of sleeping.
The Tester
I’m Camryn Rabideau, a freelance contributor here at Reviewed. I’ve been reviewing bedding for years now and have personally tested more than a dozen heated blankets— for work and personal use. My partner and I live in a drafty old farmhouse in New England, so we often rely on heated blankets to stave off the chill on particularly cold nights. My cat and I also enjoy cuddling up on the couch with an electric blanket to relax at the end of the day.
The Tests
We ran a variety of tests to find the best heated electric blankets available today. After unpacking each blanket, we looked at the construction, and I put my background in textile science to use as I evaluated the material quality and stitching. We also checked each blanket’s care label, which is generally a large tag on the front of the blanket, to see if the blanket could be machine-washed and if there were any specific instructions. For instance, some brands instruct you to fill the machine, let it agitate gently for a few minutes, then turn off the cycle—not the most convenient process. We gave points to blankets that can be put through a regular wash cycle and dried normally.
We also spent several days testing each blanket. We used them to lounge on the couch and sleep in bed, trying out all the settings. We noted whether there was a noticeable difference between heat levels and timed how long it took for the blanket to change temperature. Of course, we also scored each product on its comfort level, softness, ease of use, and whether we could feel the wires while using the electric blanket.
What You Should Know About Electric and Heated Blankets
When you're shopping for the best heated blanket there's a few things to take into account.
In general, there are three types of electric blankets: standard blankets that you sleep under overnight, heated mattress pads that you sleep on top of, and throw blankets that you can use around the house. We focused on standard blankets, so the details provided here are specific to those.
With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about electric blankets to make an informed purchase.
How Do Electric Blankets Work?
Electric blankets aren’t as thick or puffy as a winter comforter. Instead, they’re typically more akin to a lightweight summer blanket or throw blanket. Most are made from polyester fleece or velvet, making them soft to the touch.
What distinguishes these blankets from a regular throw is the wiring that runs throughout the material. Unlike a heating pad, electric blankets don’t have a “cover”—the wires are integrated directly into the fabric, and they can’t be removed.
At the end of the blanket is a power cord connector or two, depending on how many zones the blanket has. When you set the electric blanket up, these connectors are typically positioned at the foot of the bed. You can run the cords under the bed, positioning the controller(s) on your bedside table and putting the plug into a nearby outlet.
What Features Do Heated Blankets Have?
There are several common features you’ll see on these best electric blankets. First, almost all electric blankets have 10 heat settings and automatic shutoff after around 8 to 10 hours. This safety feature ensures your blanket won’t stay on all day, even if you forget to turn it off.
Another common feature is dual-zone controls. Queen- and king-sized electric blankets typically come with two controllers that allow partners to customize the heat on their side of the bed. This was once a “luxury” feature, but it’s pretty standard today across all brands.
There are also some special features reserved for more expensive electric blankets. For instance, some models have a “preheat” option, which typically heats up the blanket on a warmer setting for 30 minutes or more to get your bed toasty before you hop in. Note that the preheat settings we tested specifically note not to use them when you’re in bed.
Another special feature is a timer, which means the blanket will turn off after a set number of hours. Similar to the preheat option, this will ensure you don’t get too hot overnight, and it will save electricity, too.
Do I Need an Electric Blanket?
If the cold weather makes it hard for you to fall asleep, an electric blanket is an effective way to warm yourself up without heating the entire room. It can also be used to preheat a bed, if crawling into a cold bed is an unpleasant thought. If your feet are often chilled, an electric blanket helps warm up faster and stay warm more effectively than throwing a pair of socks on in bed.
As part of the testing, we tried a highly-rated polyester blanket and I was reminded of how effective regular blankets can be. After testing several electric blankets in a row, I expected to be disappointed by a non-heated version. Other than a bit of chill around my arms, I didn’t notice much difference.
Our heat sensor supported this, noting a peak temperature difference of 1.4℉ between the unheated blanket and our Best Overall pick. So, if the room you’re in isn’t particularly chilly, an electric blanket might not serve you as well as you might be hoping.
How To Safely Use An Electric Blanket
One of the first things you’ll notice when you buy an electric blanket is there are a lot of safety precautions. They’re listed in big bold letters in the instructions, but the blankets themselves also sport a big patch with important safety guidelines—and it can’t be removed.
In general, all heated blankets have a few key guidelines for safe use:
- Don’t use the bedding for children, disabled individuals, or with sedatives.
- Don’t fold, bunch, or tuck the blanket.
- Don’t use pins on the blanket.
- Don’t pinch, trap, tuck, or cross the electrical cords.
- Don’t use electric blankets on pull-out or fold-up beds.
- Don’t let your pets scratch or claw the bedding.
- Don’t use the blanket if it’s wet.
- Don’t use a heated blanket in combination with other heated products, such as a heating pad or mattress pad.
- If you notice any signs of damage or misoperation, stop using it immediately.
Because it’s an electric device that you’re using while asleep, it’s important to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure your safety.
What Are Common Issues with Electric Blankets?
Despite the fact that they’ve been around for many years, electric blankets are still plagued with issues. There are several common problems you might experience if you purchase an electric blanket, and they range from moderately inconvenient to dangerous.
On the mild end of the spectrum, many of these best electric blankets don’t last as long as you might expect, especially considering their high price. If you read reviews on popular heated blankets, you’ll see many users complain their blankets stop working after a few months—sometimes just one “zone” dies out, and other times the whole thing goes kaput. Another frequently cited issue is hot spots, where one zone or area of an electric blanket doesn’t get quite as warm as the other.
However, electric blankets can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Some users report their blankets started smoking or melting at the power cord connection. There’s also a risk of burning yourself if you leave the blanket on too high overnight.
To prevent these hazards, it’s essential to carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions. You’ll also want to stop using your heated blanket if there are any signs of fraying, loose wires, or other damage.
You may want to check if there's a year warranty on the heated blanket, too.
More Articles You Might Enjoy
To find the best electric blankets, we tested 27 popular models over a span of six months, evaluating them on quality, feel, effectiveness, heat, durability, ease of use, value, and bonus features like programmable timers and dual controllers. For expert safety advice, we spoke to Deerwester for tips on selecting and using electric blankets.
“When shopping for electric blankets, be sure to only purchase from reputable retailers,” says Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). “This helps you avoid counterfeits that may not have built-in safety features like those which have been certified and tested.”
An electric blanket is essential for anyone who loves to be extra cozy in cold weather, whether you're curling up reading a book, dozing off in a cloud-like bed, or staving off cold toes while circling a campfire. There’s nothing quite as cozy as bundling up in an electric blanket—especially during winter when temperatures plummet.
We appreciated the intuitive display, ease of set up, and softness of the material. The blanket’s adjustable timer settings stood out to us, as they aren’t available with every electric blanket. We didn’t love the silk border, though, as it lacked heating elements. Even so, we found that the blanket worked just as well after six months of use as it had when we first opened it.
This micro flannel electric blanket has a bevy of bonus features that make it stand out, along with 10 colorways and four sizes. The king and queen sizes feature dual control, a 10-hour automatic shut-off, eight heat settings, a programmable timer, and a 16-foot power cord with detachable plugs.
Unlike some other blankets on our list, this pick doesn’t have a plush or sherpa underside, so we wouldn’t expect it to be incredibly cozy without its heating function. Even so, we found that the soft fabric, warm temperature, and foot pockets made up for its thin material.
There’s no better feeling than being tucked into a warm blanket—and this option is the perfect companion to make any movie marathon, late-night reading session, or WFH setup indefinitely more snug. The included pocket at the bottom of the blanket will keep your feet toasty, while the heating element can fend off frigid temperatures. This Micro-Plush Heated Blanket also offers three temperature levels, which can be easily controlled with the LED remote. The blanket warmed an impressive 14 degrees in 15 minutes during our testing, bringing it to a high of 82.9 degrees. The blanket’s heating capabilities maintained consistently strong throughout the six-month testing period.
The thin material lacks the coziness of a plush blanket, and it is a bit difficult to unplug.
During our testing, this throw only reached a high of 78 degrees after 15 minutes, which is lower than some other heated blankets on our list. The borders also have no wires or heating element, so the warmth may not extend to the very edges of your blanket. If you’re in the market for an electric blanket that can crank upwards of 80, or even 90 degrees, you may want to opt for another option on our list. That said, the heft and material of the high pile faux shearling adds a layer of warmth for an overall cozy feel, and after six months of use, we found no changes in the blanket’s quality.
No need to hog your heated throw—the Woolrich Linden Electric Blanket is large enough for two people to snuggle up under. The mink is a flannel pattern reminiscent of a homey cabin, while the shearling underside adds softness and padding from the wires. This blanket features an attached controller to toggle between three temperature settings.
While this pick doesn’t offer some of the bonus features that pricier electric blankets have, it still provides ample warmth, auto-shutoff, and a handy remote to tailor the temperature to your liking. The CureCure Heated Blanket comes in various sizes and colors, so you can select the blanket that best suits your space.
Most electric blankets have a higher price tag than their non-heated counterparts—but finding a supremely comfortable and warm option doesn’t need to break the bank. We were impressed by the softness of the velour topside and sherpa underside, the even, comfortable distribution of wires, and the ease of cleaning of this blanket. After six months of use, there was no difference in the blanket’s appearance or performance.
The blanket’s high quality-quilted overstitching proved to be durable during our testing, and its weight provided ample comfort. Lying with the blanket made us feel as if we were sleeping on a cloud. We found the downy material cozy but not too stifling or warm, making this a good choice for those who want a comfortable, moderate amount of heat. The blanket stayed soft and maintained its heating capabilities, even after six months of use. With four sizes and 10 colorways to choose from, this pick is a perfect addition to just about any bed.
This electric blanket performed impressively in our Lab and received a nearly perfect overall score for its quality, feel, effectiveness, heat, durability, ease of use, and value. While this pick can’t crank up to 90 degrees, it has a super soft sherpa backing, 10 heat settings, a dual controller for the queen and king sizes, a programmable timer, and a memory function to preserve the time and temperature you last used.
It can’t heat up to a very high temperature, and the cord is a bit short.
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Shavel Micro Flannel Sherpa Electric Blanket for its plush shearling underside, 10 heat settings, dual controller function, programmable timer, and memory function. In our lab testing this electric blanket received a nearly perfect score, making it a great addition to just about any home.
Our Testing Process
To find the best electric blankets on the market, we acquired 27 models and tested them in our Lab. We first evaluated the quality and construction of the blanket by spreading it out on a bed and inspecting it for loose threads, separated seams, snags, or other flaws. Then, we touched the blanket to gauge the quality of the materials, as well as whether it was smooth, scratchy, stiff, or had noticeable wires.
Next, we laid under the blanket and took note of the feel, comparing it to a regular blanket in terms of stiffness, heft, and comfortability. We also shook the blanket to see if it created any noise.
While powering on their blanket, we evaluated features like screens, buttons, brightness or display controls, and indicator lights, to determine overall ease of use. Each blanket has unique characteristics and controls, so we evaluated them based on their particular type.
For blankets with a single controller, we used an IR thermometer to take a temperature reading under the blanket before heating and again in 15 minutes after setting it to its highest temperature. We assessed whether the blanket successfully reached its highest temperature setting in 15 minutes or if the temperature was below the manufacturer’s specifications.
For blankets with dual controllers, we set one side to its lowest heat setting and the other to its highest heat setting. After 15 minutes, we recorded the temperature under each side of the blanket and laid underneath to see if the difference was noteworthy. We also laid in the middle of the blanket to see if there was any gap between the heating zones. Like with the single controller testing, we also noted whether the blanket reached its highest temperature within 15 minutes.
Blankets with a programmable shut-off timer were assessed on whether the function worked as expected by setting the timer to its lowest period alongside a separate timer on their phone. We noted whether the blanket turned off or stayed on after the elapsed period.
We also tested machine-washable blankets for durability after a wash and dry, looking for loose threads, separating seams, snags, holes, pilling, or any other signs of damage. After inspecting the blanket for wear, we turned on the heating function to compare its pre-wash performance. We also measured the blanket before and after washing to see if any shrinkage occurred.
For blankets that were spot clean only, we poured one tablespoon of coffee on the blanket and let it sit for 30 seconds. We then blotted the area with a cool, wet towel to see if the stain lifted—if it didn’t, we proceeded to treat it with a Tide pen.
After the lab tests were completed, we looked at the retail price of their product. We evaluated the price in conjunction with the electric blanket's performance during tests to assess the overall value of the product.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
How to Shop for Electric Blankets Like a Pro
Size
Do you plan to use an electric blanket as a cozy throw on your living room couch? Or do you plan to snuggle up in bed with your blanket during the most frigid months? Depending on how you want to use your electric blanket, consider the size that would be most effective for your purposes. For beds, we recommend finding a duvet-sized option that can cover the entirety of your mattress. If you only want an electric blanket for late-night movie marathons or to drape over your lounge chair, then a throw-size blanket fits the bill.
Material
We’ve rounded up a range of comfortable and cozy materials including plush microfiber, shearling, fleece, and flannel blankets. You can tailor your final selection based on your existing decor and comfort preferences—some blankets are thinner, while other, more downy options are prime for a fuzzy and toasty electric blanket.
Cleaning
Finding an electric blanket that is machine-washable is much easier than it used to be—many options can be tossed in the laundry (after detaching cords and carefully reading the manufacturer’s instructions, of course). That said, some electric blankets are still spot clean only, so if you’re prone to messes or like to frequently launder your bedding, a machine-washable option might be best for you.
Certifications
The two most common certifications are UL and ETL—both ensure that your electric blanket is safe to use, as both ratings are Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL). “When purchasing electronics, including electric blankets, be sure to only purchase those which have been certified and tested by an NRTL,” says Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International. “NRTLs test and certify electrical equipment and other products to ensure that they meet current safety standards and are safe with proper use.”
Safety should be a primary concern when selecting your electric blanket, and the best way to find a reliable, tested product is to search for these two safety ratings. All of the electric blankets we recommend have one of these certifications.
Bonus Features
- Automatic Shutoff: This feature is built into most electric blankets as an additional safety precaution—it assures that the blanket won’t overheat or run through electricity. Some shutoff features have timers designed for those who want to sleep with their blanket, though the most common time capacity is one hour.
- Dual-Temperature Control: No two sleepers are the same, which is why the additional feature of dual temperature control can come in handy for those who share a bed. Each side of the blanket can be individually controlled, so nobody faces a case of night sweats or frigid toes.
More Electric Blankets to Consider
True North by Sleep Philosophy Arielle Electric Metallic Print Throw: We were impressed by this throw’s thorough heat distribution and intuitive, sleek controls. The fabric felt a bit thin, though, and the sparkly, metallic design may be an acquired taste.
Westinghouse Silky Flannel Lined Electric Blanket: This ETL-certified blanket feels high-quality, but we didn’t love the long and easily tangled cords. While the high heat settings were very effective, the lower heat settings felt barely noticeable.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Questions You Might Ask
Is it ok to leave my electric blanket on all night?
Experts agree that electric blankets should not be left on all night—which is why timer functions and auto-off features come in handy. If you plan on falling asleep with your electric blanket we recommend ensuring that it has one of these two features for safety. According to Deerwester: “Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping.”
Can you put a blanket on top of an electric blanket?
To avoid any fire and safety hazards, do not put anything on top of your electric blanket when it’s in use. “When covered by anything, including other blankets or pets, electric blankets may overheat,” says Deerwester. “Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping.”
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Quinn Gawronski, associate commerce editor for Real Simple, who has three years of experience writing and editing product reviews and roundups, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To find the best electric blankets we tested 27 popular models over a span of six months, and evaluated them on quality, feel, effectiveness, heat, durability, ease of use, value, and bonus features like programmable timers and dual controllers. For expert tips, we consulted Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Electric Shawl for Elderly.
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